Introduction

This Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake combines the rich, dense texture of a chocolate brownie with the creamy tang of classic cheesecake. It’s a decadent dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or any time you crave something indulgent.

Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar (for brownie)
4 eggs
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
16 ounces cream cheese
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
Step 2: Melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter. In a bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Beat the cream cheese with 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, the remaining 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and combined.
Step 5: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled brownie base.
Step 6: Bake at 325°F for 45–50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Step 7: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Step 8: Remove the cheesecake and cool completely. Then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 9: Heat 0.5 cup heavy cream until simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth to make ganache.
Step 10: Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Optionally, top with extra chocolate chips. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture and flavor.
For a nuttier twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter.
Make sure to let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven to prevent cracks.
Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, bring slices to room temperature before serving. Leftovers can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?

A springform pan is preferred for easy removal and to keep the cheesecake intact, but you can use a regular cake pan lined well with parchment. You may need to carefully cut slices to serve.

How can I tell when the cheesecake is done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will firm up further as it cools.

Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe

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4.5 from 140 reviews

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake with this Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake recipe. Featuring a dense, chocolatey brownie base topped with smooth and tangy cheesecake, and finished with a luscious chocolate ganache, this dessert is sure to impress at any occasion.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling

16 ounces cream cheese
0.5 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

0.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides to prevent sticking.
Make brownie batter: Melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan or microwave. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 0.33 cup cocoa powder, 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 0.25 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Bake brownie base: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Prepare cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of cream cheese with 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 0.5 cup sour cream, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the filling is fully blended and smooth.
Assemble cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled brownie base in the springform pan.
Bake cheesecake: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 325°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Cool in oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually, preventing cracking.
Chill cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Make chocolate ganache: Heat 0.5 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir gently until smooth and glossy.
Finish and serve: Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and optionally top with extra chocolate chips. Slice and enjoy your decadent Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake!

Notes

Ensure the cheesecake does not overbake; the center should be slightly jiggly to maintain creamy texture.
Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances the flavor and makes slicing easier.
To avoid cracks, cool the cheesecake gradually by letting it rest in the turned-off oven.
For extra chocolate texture, sprinkle additional semi-sweet chocolate chips on top before serving.
Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for best richness and flavor.

Keywords: Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake, brownie cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, dessert, homemade cheesecake, chocolate ganache